Get to know

Ayocote Morado

Overview

Tasting notes: Meaty • Velvety • Sturdy

Grown by: César Díaz, Puebla, Mexico

Harvested: November 2023

Practices: Diverse crop rotations, small-scale farming, preserves cultural heritage

Brought to you in collaboration with our friends at Guelaguetza

Why we chose it

These beans are big, bold and a real crowd-pleaser (even known to convert the non-bean eaters among us!). Ayocote Morado really shines in tacos or other masa-based snacks, bean bakes, and salads. We love the natural variation of patterns and shades of purple.

The sourcing backstory

What started as a simple Instagram message turned into a lasting partnership to bring these beans to US home kitchens! César Díaz and his family have specialized in Ayocote Morado for the last three decades. They’re known in the region for their notable large, deep purple beans owing to practices that care for the soil: traditional horse plowing, manual weeding and grasshopper capture, and healthy crop rotations with vegetables like poblano chiles, corn, and onions. The farm is located in the highlands of Puebla, near the active volcano Popocatepetl. The area is also known for its vibrant Festival of Chiles each August, where surrounding villages feast on the poblano chile harvest in various forms.